Beagle Dog
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Beagle Allergies
Yes, Beagles Can Have Allergies
Humans have indoor or outdoor allergies...Beagles can have internal or external allergies. Unlike us, when a Beagle dog is suffering from allergies, symptoms can be baffling. They will not just sneeze as we do!
The symptom can range from mild to quite severe.
It is important to take notice of the signs of this and then an owner can determine which type of allergy their Beagle has.
The symptom can range from mild to quite severe.
It is important to take notice of the signs of this and then an owner can determine which type of allergy their Beagle has.
Symptoms
Over 20% of dogs have allergy health conditions; unfortunately many are not given relief due to misdiagnosis or dismissal of symptoms by the owner.
When a Beagle has allergies, the symptoms can be misleading. Signs will be different depending on if the dog has internal or external. In addition, allergy symptoms can cross over. For example, itching is a sign for both internal and external triggers.
You will want to take notice if your Beagle:
- Has a Loss of Fur - This is usually in patches where the coat will either thin out or in severe cases, completely fall out in areas
- Dry, Itchy Skin - You may notice dry skin on your dog on its belly, however in most cases it is the skin under the coat which itches. The Beagle will scratch or lick compulsively to relieve their discomfort
- Ear Inflammations - While this can be a sign of a canine ear infections, dogs who are allergic to something may also have ear problems.
- Chewing on Self - This is a reaction to the above itching sensation and a Beagle may actually chew the fur right off of its coat if the allergy persists and is severe.
- A Dulling of the Coat - This health condition can cause affects all over the dog's body, including a dulling of the coat, you may notice that it is not as shiny as usual and/or appears to be very dry.
- Upset Stomach- Most commonly a sign of an internal allergy, a Beagle will show that he or she has an upset stomach by eating less, vomiting, dry heaving, diarrhea, or not wanting to run around as usual
- Excessive Eye Discharge - this is not often seen on dog allergy symptom lists; however this can be a clear sign of an allergy, most often with an external type
- Coughing - while many canine health issues can cause a dog to cough, Kennel Cough, Dog Flu and Upper Respiratory Infection being among them, this can also be a sign that the Beagle has allergies.
- Shortness of Breath - This can happen when exercising or even when at rest
- Wheezing Noises - As the lungs and nasal passages fill up, this can cause a wheezing sound, similar to asthma.
When a dog has internal allergies, this means that he or she is having a reaction to something that was ingested. The most common element being dog food. A Beagle may be allergic to anything from milk products to wheat. Eating the ingredient each day causes a never-ending reaction, most commonly an upset stomach. (vomiting and/or diarrhea) This, in turn, often leads to weight loss and will then lead to serious health issues if not addressed.
It is of course, recommended to have this confirmed with your Beagle's veterinarian. Once confirmed, action can be immediately taken. Once must identify the trigger. This can be done by home cooking for your dog and adding 1 ingredient each week.
You can begin with plain, de-boned, boiled chicken. To clear your Beagle's system, it is suggested to feed only this chicken for 2 weeks. After the 2 week mark, you may add an ingredient. Every 2 weeks, add 1 more ingredient. When you notice symptoms returning, you have found the food that your Beagle is allergic to. At this point, you can continue to home cook meals, without that ingredient of course, or to purchase dog food that does not contain it.
Tip: The 4 most common food allergies are to: soy, wheat, corn and turkey.
Note: Complete allergy information, every possible health issue, every possible Beagle behavior issue, full puppy care, senior care and so mush more, is located in the Beagle Pro Book.
When a Beagle has external allergies this is a reaction to an element that the dog has contact with. These can include:
Fleas - It is amazing how just 1 flea can cause such havoc to a Beagle
Dog Shampoo and Grooming Solutions - This is the #1 cause
Home Products - This can range from the laundry detergent that you use, the carpet cleaner, the air freshener and so much more.
The dog can also have a reaction to elements which are inhaled, such as:
2nd hand smoke can cause coughing, wheezing, and breathing problems. Dog shampoo can cause ear problems and coat issues.
Treatment includes several options, depending on what signs your Beagle is showing:
Symptomatic Therapy - This is direct treatment for the symptoms while the trigger for what is causing them is being discovered. Cool baths with colloidal oatmeal, Epsom salts, or medicated shampoos helps to relieve dry, itchy, sore skin. This can be done frequently but provides only temporary relief.
Immunotherapy - This is the term used to describe allergy shots, a slow & steady process in which the Beagle is exposed to the trigger. This option can take quite a while. On average, it will be 6 to 12 months to see major improvement. Success rate is 75%.
Corticosteroids - These topical medications help to reduce swelling and itching. Unfortunately, they also affect every organ in the body. Steroids should be considered only when the allergy season is short (for example if your Beagle is allergic to ragweed), the amount of medication required is small or as a last resort to relieve a dog in extreme discomfort. Side effects can include:
Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids - These fatty acids are natural anti-inflammatory agents. They have no side effects. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish oils (especially krill and cod) and omega-6 fatty acids are derived from plants containing gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), such as oil from the evening primrose. These supplements are different from those sold to produce a glossy coat.
Environmental Control - If you know which substances your dog is allergic to avoidance is the best method of control. Even if you are desensitizing the dog with allergy shots, it is best to avoid the allergen altogether.
Treatment When a Beagle is Allergic to a Food Ingredient
It is of course, recommended to have this confirmed with your Beagle's veterinarian. Once confirmed, action can be immediately taken. Once must identify the trigger. This can be done by home cooking for your dog and adding 1 ingredient each week.
You can begin with plain, de-boned, boiled chicken. To clear your Beagle's system, it is suggested to feed only this chicken for 2 weeks. After the 2 week mark, you may add an ingredient. Every 2 weeks, add 1 more ingredient. When you notice symptoms returning, you have found the food that your Beagle is allergic to. At this point, you can continue to home cook meals, without that ingredient of course, or to purchase dog food that does not contain it.
If you are looking for excellent home made recipes for your Beagle, to offer great, healthy food without possible allergies, learn more about home cooking for your Beagle here.
Tip: The 4 most common food allergies are to: soy, wheat, corn and turkey.Note: Complete allergy information, every possible health issue, every possible Beagle behavior issue, full puppy care, senior care and so mush more, is located in the Beagle Pro Book.
External Allergies
When a Beagle has external allergies this is a reaction to an element that the dog has contact with. These can include:
Fleas - It is amazing how just 1 flea can cause such havoc to a Beagle
Dog Shampoo and Grooming Solutions - This is the #1 cause
Home Products - This can range from the laundry detergent that you use, the carpet cleaner, the air freshener and so much more.
The dog can also have a reaction to elements which are inhaled, such as:
- Ragweed
- Dust
- Mold
- 2nd hand smoke
2nd hand smoke can cause coughing, wheezing, and breathing problems. Dog shampoo can cause ear problems and coat issues.
Treatment
Treatment includes several options, depending on what signs your Beagle is showing:
Symptomatic Therapy - This is direct treatment for the symptoms while the trigger for what is causing them is being discovered. Cool baths with colloidal oatmeal, Epsom salts, or medicated shampoos helps to relieve dry, itchy, sore skin. This can be done frequently but provides only temporary relief.
Immunotherapy - This is the term used to describe allergy shots, a slow & steady process in which the Beagle is exposed to the trigger. This option can take quite a while. On average, it will be 6 to 12 months to see major improvement. Success rate is 75%.
Corticosteroids - These topical medications help to reduce swelling and itching. Unfortunately, they also affect every organ in the body. Steroids should be considered only when the allergy season is short (for example if your Beagle is allergic to ragweed), the amount of medication required is small or as a last resort to relieve a dog in extreme discomfort. Side effects can include:
- Increased thirst and appetite
- Increased need to urinate
- Behavioral changes
- Diabetes
- Decreased resistance to infection
Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids - These fatty acids are natural anti-inflammatory agents. They have no side effects. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish oils (especially krill and cod) and omega-6 fatty acids are derived from plants containing gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), such as oil from the evening primrose. These supplements are different from those sold to produce a glossy coat.
Environmental Control - If you know which substances your dog is allergic to avoidance is the best method of control. Even if you are desensitizing the dog with allergy shots, it is best to avoid the allergen altogether.
- Molds can be reduced by using a dehumidifier or placing activated charcoal on top of the exposed dirt in your house plants.
- Dusts and pollens are best controlled by using an air cleaner with a HEPA filter.
- Air conditioning can also reduce circulating amounts of airborne allergens because windows are then kept closed.
- Those who smoke should do so only outside or in a room that is clearly separated from the home, such as the garage.
More Information
Note: This is an overview of Beagle allergy issues to help you have a basic understanding. If your dog has this condition, it is important to understand all of the elements involved. The list of possible triggers is endless and there are symptoms which fall out of the normal category of signs. For this reason, we have combined all of our knowledge into 1 easy-to-read format which can holds 355 pages of information all Beagle owners must know: The Beagle Pro E-Book.
